27 Nov 2008

Tainted syrup kills Nigerian children

9:00 pm on 27 November 2008

Twenty-five children in Nigeria have died after being given a contaminated teething syrup.

The national food and drug agency says the syrup was tainted with diethylene glycol.

The substance, used in engine coolant and anti-freeze, caused the children to suffer kidney failure.

The agency began confiscating the syrup two days after receiving reports of contamination and has shut down the Lagos-based manufacturer Barewa Pharmaceuticals.

The children, aged between three months and four years, died at three hospitals.

At least 10 other children are reported to have been brought to hospital.